Eating Utensil

ABSTRACT

An eating utensil, having a first portion having a first proximal end and a first distal end, the first distal end having more than one prong, and the first proximal end having a first engagement portion; and a second portion having a second proximal end and a second distal end, the second distal end having more than one prong, and the second proximal end having a second engagement portion, the first and the second engagement portions being complementarily shaped to releasably receive and engage one another. The inventive eating utensil can be operable in three different operational modes. In a first operational mode, each of the first portion and the second portion is operable as a fork-like utensil. In a second operational mode, the first portion and the second portion together are operable as a server-like utensil. In a third operation mode, when the first and the second engagement portions are engaged, the eating utensil is operable as a tong-like utensil.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/833,992, filed Jul. 28, 2006, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to eating utensils, and more particularly to a utensil system that provides several different usages combining the functionalities of forks, servers and tongs.

Many varieties of eating utensils are known and commercially available. The most common eating utensils include the knife, the spoon and the fork. While the fork is now an almost indispensable eating utensil, historically it did not enjoy such popularity. The knife and the spoon have a more positive history, but the fork, once associated with Satanism, became widely used only in the past 200 years. While today it is hard to imagine the controversy that a piece of flatware could create, the fork was perceived as an evil implement. Although the reasons for fork's bad reputation remain unknown, it eventually gained acceptance in Italy, with pasta's rise during the Renaissance. But according to experts, Northern Europeans continued to resist the fork for centuries, preferring to skewer meat and potatoes on the tip of a knife. When the knife's sharp tip was changed, by the Victorians, to a rounded one, to lessen its perceived brutality, the fork rose to prominence. Initially Americans considered forks to be a European eating utensil until it was popularized in the 1800s. Soon after owning flatware of all kinds was de rigueur. There were different utensils for raw oysters, fried oysters, chicken, fish, poached eggs, pickles, and berries. At one time a single dinner pattern could have had more than one hundred different pieces. As it now stands a common flatware set including about 55 pieces is a de facto standard. Such a set typically includes 8 dinner forks, 8 salad forks, 8 soup spoons, 8 teaspoons, 8 dinner knives, 1 butter knife, 1 sugar spoon, 2 tablespoons, a few serving spoons and 8 extra teaspoons. In addition to the so-called standard flatware set many varieties of serving utensils are also available, such as salad servers, and tongs.

In some Asian nations, the chopstick is the most common eating utensil. However, some people find it difficult to manipulate chopsticks. To address the difficulty there are now several varieties of chopstick manipulators. These chopstick manipulators are used to connect the usual chopsticks to convert them to tongs. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,749,239; 5,810,411; 4,787,663; 4,721,334; 4,659,128 and Published U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2005/0134065 and 2005/0082855.

While the use of eating utensils continues in its popularity, at times it may seem that with the rise of fast food, the eating utensil's days may be numbered. However, with the backlash against unhealthy fast foods and the availability of healthy fast foods such as salads, the need for eating utensils still persists.

Clearly there is a need for continued improvements in the design of eating utensils.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an eating utensil, having a first portion having a first proximal end and a first distal end, the first distal end having more than one prong, and the first proximal end having a first engagement portion; and a second portion having a second proximal end and a second distal end, the second distal end having more than one prong, and the second proximal end having a second engagement portion, the first and the second engagement portions being complementarily shaped to releasably receive and engage one another. The inventive eating utensil can be operable in three different operational modes. In a first operational mode, each of the first portion and the second portion is operable as a fork-like utensil. In a second operational mode, the first portion and the second portions together are operable as a salad server-like utensil. In a third operation mode, when the first and the second engagement portions are engaged, the eating utensil is operable as a spring-biased tong-like utensil.

For a further understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention, reference should be made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a simplified exemplary diagram of the eating utensil in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention shown as a unitary body.

FIG. 1B is a simplified exemplary diagram of the eating utensil of FIG. 1A shown as two separate pieces.

FIG. 1C is a simplified exemplary diagram of the engagement of the eating utensil of FIGS. 1A-B.

FIG. 1D is a simplified exemplary diagram of the eating utensil of FIGS. 1A-B shown assembled as a tong.

FIGS. 2A-C are simplified exemplary diagrams of the eating utensil in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention shown having slim (2A), wide (2B) and tapered (2C) body portions.

FIGS. 3A-B are simplified exemplary diagrams of the eating utensil in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention shown with reinforced body portions.

FIGS. 4A-B are simplified exemplary diagrams of the eating utensil in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention shown with an enhanced spring/hinge portion.

FIGS. 5A-B are simplified exemplary diagrams of the eating utensil in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention shown with enhanced guide portions.

FIGS. 6A-D illustrate an eating utensil in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A shows a simplified exemplary diagram of the eating utensil 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention shown as a unitary body. As is shown in FIG. 1A, the eating utensil 100 in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention includes two pieces, a first piece 102 and a second piece 104. The first piece 102 has a first proximal end 103 and a first distal end 105. The first distal end 105 has more than one prong 107, and the first proximal end 103 has a first engagement portion 109. The eating utensil 100 also has a second portion 104 having a second proximal end 120 and a second distal end 121. The second distal end 121 has more than one prong 123 and the second proximal end 120 has a second engagement portion 125. The first and the second engagement portions 109 and 125 are complementarily shaped to releasably receive and engage one another.

FIG. 1A also shows that the eating utensil 100 and its first portion 102 and its second portion 104 can be separate pieces or can be irreversibly separable from a unitary body. The unitary body and the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 can be made of wood, plastic, or a metallic material. The plastic utensil can be an injection molded piece. The wood and the metallic utensils can be made using known processes. FIG. 1B shows the portions 102 and 104 as they are separated from each other (e.g., broken apart) and the unitary body.

FIGS. 1A-D show that one of the first and the second engagement portions is tongue-shaped and the other of the first and the second engagement portions is a U-shaped slot. FIG. 1D shows that when the first and the second engagement portions are engaged for a hinge-like structure, the engagement acts as a spring-biased member, and the eating utensil can function as a tong.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-D, the eating utensil 100 can be operable in three different operational modes. In a first operational mode, when the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 are not a part of a unitary body, each of the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 is operable as a fork-like utensil. In a second operational mode, when the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 are not a part of a unitary body, the first portion and the second portion together are operable as a salad server-like utensil. In a third operational mode, when the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 are not a part of a unitary body, and when the first and the second engagement portions 109, 125 are engaged, the eating utensil 100 is operable as a tong-like utensil.

The eating utensil in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention is suitable for use for on-the-go meals, in restaurants, in food courts and the like. In addition, this eating utensil is also suitable for use as a pre-packaged utensil. The utensil can also be a disposable one.

The present eating utensil is advantageous over known utensils in that it offers a unique combination of operational modes, as described above. In addition, the structural design of the utensil provides sufficient strength and flexibility while also integrating a spring-like member that provides an opening force. By being operable in the three modes described above, the same utensil can be used to toss a salad using the two separated portions, to eat a salad using only one of the portions, and when assembled as a tong, to also grab ingredients that are hard to grasp such as ingredients in the deep depths of containers.

The present inventive eating utensil is simple, sustainable and cost-effective. The flexible material of the utensil can be cut from wood or made as an injection molded plastic piece, and can convey a self-spring-loaded effect. It can also be made of one single unitary piece of wood or plastic, for its user to break it into two by using a scored or engraved breaking line.

Additional details and embodiments are described below. FIGS. 2A-C show simplified exemplary diagrams of the eating utensil in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention shown having a slim (2A), wide (2B) and tapered (2C) body portions. Results of initial tests show that the utensil of FIG. 2A and its slim body portion provides a good feel in its user's hands; however the slim body portion may not be strong enough to support some possible stresses arising from the spring force. Results of initial tests show that the utensil of FIG. 2B and its wider body portion are strong enough to support most stresses arising from the spring force, however, the wider body portion may be aesthetically less appealing. Results of initial tests show that the utensil of FIG. 2C and its tapered body portion provides a good feel in its user's hands, and the tapered body portion is strong enough to support most stresses arising from the spring force. In addition, the tapered profile allows for a nice grip.

FIGS. 3A-B are simplified exemplary diagrams of the eating utensil in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention shown with reinforced body portions. As is shown in FIGS. 3A-B, the raised surfaces or rib-like structures that run along a portion of the length of the body portions on each of the body portions allow for a good control for having both stiffer and flexible areas on the utensil.

FIGS. 4A-B are simplified exemplary diagrams of the eating utensil in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention shown with an enhanced spring portion. As is shown in FIGS. 4A-B, the raised surfaces or rib-like structures on the body portions that run transverse to the body portions, as well as the strengthened engagement portions allow for an enhanced grabbing of food items.

FIGS. 5A-B are simplified exemplary diagrams of the eating utensil in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention shown with enhanced guide portions. As is shown in FIGS. 5A-B, the guides or raised surfaces or rib-like structures that run along a portion of the length of the body portions on each of the body portions help stabilize the eating utensil and thus enhance the eating experience.

FIGS. 6A-D illustrate the eating utensil in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A shows a simplified exemplary diagram of the eating utensil 200 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As is shown in FIG. 6A, the eating utensil 200 in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention includes two pieces, a first piece 202 and a second piece 204. The first piece 202 has a first proximal end 203 and a first distal end 205. The first distal end 205 has more than one prong 207, and the first proximal end 203 has a first engagement portion 209. The eating utensil 200 also has a second portion 204 having a second proximal end 220 and a second distal end 221. The second distal end 221 has more than one prong 223 and the second proximal end 220 has a second engagement portion 125. The first and the second engagement portions 209 and 225 are complementarily shaped to releasably receive and engage one another.

FIG. 6C shows a side view for the eating utensil illustrated in FIGS. 6A-B. The utensil of FIGS. 6A-D can be made of wood, plastic, or a metallic material. The plastic utensil can be an injection molded piece. The wood and the metallic utensils can be made using known processes.

FIGS. 6A-D show that one of the first and the second engagement portions includes a narrowed portion 227 and the other of the first and the second engagement portions is a slot that extends inward from the proximal end 203. The slot can also include an enlarged portion 210 that is dimensioned to be larger and receive the narrowed portion 227. FIG. 6D shows that when the first and the second engagement portions are engaged they from a hinge-like structure and the engagement acts as a spring-biased member, and the eating utensil functions as a tong. In order to engage portions 225 with 209, a user will slide end portion 225 into slot of engagement portion 209 and then turn portion 225 as shown in FIG. 6D so that narrowed portion 227 engages the enlarged portion 210 of the slot of the engagement portion 209. It should be noted that while a circular-shaped enlarged portion 210 is shown, the enlarged portion can have any shape. For example, the enlarged portion can be square-shaped, rectangular, oval, octagonal, polygon-shaped, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 6A-D, the eating utensil 200 can be operable in three different operational modes. In a first operational mode, each of the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 is operable as a fork-like utensil. In a second operational mode, the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 together are operable as a salad server-like utensil. In a third operational mode, when the first and the second engagement portions 209, 225 are engaged, the eating utensil 200 is operable as a tong-like utensil.

It should be realized that one or more or all of the features described in FIGS. 1-6 can be combined into one eating utensil, depending on the desired outcome.

All patents, patent applications, publications, and descriptions mentioned above are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. None is admitted to be prior art.

The above description is illustrative and is not restrictive. Many variations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the disclosure. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the pending claims along with their full scope or equivalents. And, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. These other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims. 

1. An eating utensil, comprising: a first portion having a first proximal end and a first distal end, said first distal end having more than one prong, and said first proximal end having a first engagement portion; and a second portion having a second proximal end and a second distal end, said second distal end having more than one prong, and said second proximal end having a second engagement portion, said first and said second engagement portions being complementarily shaped to releasably receive and engage one another.
 2. The eating utensil of claim 1 wherein when said first and said second engagement portions are engaged, said eating utensil is configured as a spring-biased tong.
 3. The eating utensil of claim 1 wherein one of said first and said second engagement portions is tongue-shaped and the other of said first and said second engagement portions is a U-shaped slot.
 4. The eating utensil of claim 1 wherein one of said first and said second engagement portions includes a narrowed portion and the other of said first and said second engagement portions includes a slot extending inward from the proximal end.
 5. The eating utensil of claim 4 wherein said slot includes an enlarged portion dimensioned to be larger and to receive said narrowed portion.
 6. The eating utensil of claim 1 wherein said first portion and said second portion are parts of a unitary body.
 7. The eating utensil of claim 6 wherein said first portion and said second portion are irreversibly separable from said unitary body.
 8. The eating utensil of claim 1 wherein said first portion and said second portion are made of a material selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic and metal.
 9. The eating utensil of claim 1 being operable in three different operational modes, wherein in a first operational mode, each of said first portion and said second portion is operable as a fork-like utensil, wherein in a second operational mode, said first portion and said second portion together are operable as a server-like utensil, and wherein in a third operation mode, when said first and said second engagement portions are engaged said eating utensil is operable as a tong-like utensil. 